New Bedford Mayor Moves to Freeze Data Centers Citywide as AI Boom Threatens Power, Water, Neighborhoods
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell is proposing a citywide prohibition on data centers to allow for research and development of new regulations. The existing 2024 zoning rules permit data centers by-right, but concerns have arisen regarding their significant demands on electrical and water infrastructure, noise generation, and land use. The proposal is on the City Council agenda for its September 10th meeting.
Mayor Jon Mitchell of New Bedford, Massachusetts, has proposed an immediate citywide prohibition on data centers. This move comes as the city plans to conduct further research and develop new regulations, acknowledging that current 2024 zoning rules, which allow data centers by-right in many areas, do not adequately address the increased scale and intensity of facilities driven by the AI boom.
In his communication to the City Council, Mayor Mitchell highlighted concerns that data centers place significant demands on electrical and water infrastructure, generate noise, consume substantial land, and can negatively impact surrounding properties. He emphasized that continuing to allow data centers without performance standards poses risks to New Bedford residents. The Department of City Planning has initiated research into national and statewide case studies to inform the city's new regulations, with the Mayor's proposal slated for the City Council's September 10th meeting.
This local initiative follows closely on the heels of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey's executive order, signed on September 8th, which blocks state permitting agencies from advancing data center projects unless they have received local approval.